Times have certainly changed. We have known since 2022 that Sinn Féin had secured the first minister’s post, but Saturday’s events at Stormont still had potency.
There was a touch of Disney about it. Michelle O’Neill, restored to her rightful place, forgave those who tried to thwart her. Although “bridesmaid” Emma Little-Pengelly hadn’t auditioned before the electorate, the director’s favourite got the part anyway; and she read her lines well. Deposed King Poots was restored to glory, to the delight of dinosaurs everywhere.
Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly have taken up the roles of first and deputy first minister (Northern Ireland Executive/PA) The Irish News view: After Saturday’s applause and congratulations, it’s time for Stormont to deliverOpens in new windowWho are the new ministers sitting around the executive table at Stormont?Opens in new windowStormont’s in-tray: The multiple funding crises facing a new executive from health to education, the A5, policing and Casement ParkOpens in new windowEven a wicked witch appeared. Channelling Maleficent, Jim Allister enunciated his curse with the bluster of a ham actor who thinks he has a leading role but doesn’t even merit a listing on the credits.
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